English Grammar – Spot the error (choose the erroneous segment or ‘‘No error’’). Sentence: No sooner the plane landed at the airport than a group of armed commandos surrounded it.

Introduction / Context:
This item checks the fixed correlative structure “No sooner … than …” which requires inversion with the auxiliary “had” (or “did” in present). The absence of inversion after “No sooner” is the error.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Opening adverbial: “No sooner …”.
• Past perfect context implied (one action immediately followed another).
• Current faulty clause: “No sooner the plane landed …”.

Concept / Approach:
Correct patterns:

• No sooner had + subject + past participle … than …
• No sooner did + subject + base verb … than … (less common; present narrative)

Therefore, we need “No sooner had the plane landed than …”.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the sister structure: “Hardly/Scarcely had the plane landed when …”. This confirms that “than” belongs with “No sooner …”.

Why Other Options Are Wrong/Acceptable:

• B is fine once A is corrected.
• C and D are grammatically fine noun/verb phrases.
• E is invalid because an error exists in A.

Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting auxiliary inversion after negative/limiting adverbs; mixing “No sooner … than …” with “Hardly/Scarcely … when …”.

Final Answer:
No sooner the plane landed